Georgia HC Kirby Smart reveals whose “toughness and grit” has carried Bulldogs offense ahead of Ole Miss Rebels SEC game

Georgia Bulldogs’ offensive line continues to make Gunner Stockton and offense better

Travis May — College Football Managing Editor
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Georgia Bulldogs Official Pre-Ole Miss Press Conference

The Georgia Bulldogs of 2025 aren’t perfect, but they’re still 5-1 with their only loss coming to top-six ranked Alabama. Kirby Smart’s team has already had to push through some adversity with injuries and less depth than perhaps they’ve ever had. Somehow they’re finding success anyway.

When asked about the difference and development for the Georgia offense ahead of their game against the Ole Miss Rebels, head coach Kirby Smart couldn’t help but talk about the toughness and grit of his offensive line group–several of them stepping up early, often, and even pushing through injuries just to step on the field.

Facts on the 2025 Georgia Bulldogs offensive line

  • Georgia has started six different combinations of starting offensive linemen in six games
  • The Georgia Bulldogs continue to rely on heavy involvement from two freshman offensive linemen Juan Gaston and Dontrell Glover (180+ snaps for both on the season).
  • Monroe Freeling just won SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week despite barely being able to practice halfway through the week last week.

Georgia Bulldogs offensive line continues to carry team with toughness and grit

Coach Smart couldn’t help but first highlight the two freshmen who have stepped up big time this season when talking about how well his offensive line has impressed and grown together this season, making life easier for first year starting quarterback Gunner Stockton:

“We’re blessed to have the two freshmen (Dontrell Glover and Juan Gaston) come along as fast as they did because those two guys have helped us. Injuries happen. I don’t know–I wasn’t aware we had six different combinations [of starting offensive linemen this year], but it doesn’t surprise me because it certainly feels that way. It feels even crazier in games because we’re having to rotate guys in games. It’s not rotation based on stamina sometimes. It’s rotation based on injury here. Something there. And that makes it tough. I’m proud of their toughness and the way they play. That drive they had to end the game [against Auburn] shows something about their character and ability to overcome.”

Juan Gaston was “supposed to be” the guy given he was the five star recruit talent coming in. It was clear quite early he would earn a role on Georgia’s offensive line perhaps this season. Dontrell Glover has been the real surprise, racking up over 300 snaps on the season already, playing both right and left guard.

After coach Smart finished bragging on his whole offensive line and the young guys, it was time to talk about the player of the week for Georgia, left tackle Monroe Freeling. Not only did he win SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week, but he did so while pushing through an injury that hardly let him practice at all ahead of the Auburn game. Kirby Smart elaborated on just how special Freeling was this week:

“Guts. Toughness. Grit. If you had told me after watching him Wednesday or Thursday when he just went out and tried to run and work out–I was questioning whether we should bring him on the trip. He texted me and said, ‘Coach, I’m going on this trip and I’m playing. I’m going to be ready.’ Just says a ton about his competitive character. In a day and age where guys have to make it about themselves or whatever, he’s all about the team.”

This Georgia offensive line (and entire offensive unit) is beginning to look special. Even when injuries try to break up the continuity, it doesn’t matter. The offensive line continues to protect well in the passing game and throw defenders off the line against the run. If this unit continues to gel, Georgia should be able to take care of even their most difficult opponents–including Ole Miss this week.

We’ll be back with more Georgia Bulldogs coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

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